The “unlimited days” ALDI return policy is certainly unique and goes a step beyond other lenient return policies. In this article I’ll breakdown exactly what I mean, and also discuss a bunch of insider tips to make the return policy at ALDI work for you. Let’s get to it.

ALDI Gives You Unlimited Time to Make a Return

ALDI will let you return almost any item for a full refund or replacement if you’re not happy with it.

Amazingly, they do NOT place a specific number of days on returns.

RETURN ITEMS AT NON-PEAK TIMES

If you’ve ever shopped at an ALDI location, you know that one of the ways they keep costs down is by having limited employees.

Because of this, avoid making returns during busy store hours and it will be a MUCH smoother process. If possible, go early in the morning in the middle of the week.

So…What’s the “Twice as Nice Guarantee”?

Here is where their policy is REALLY unique and kinda amazing.

If you buy an ALDI-branded item (excluding alcohol and produce), and you’re not happy with it for whatever reason, ALDI will do TWO things for you.

First, they’ll refund the money you spent on the item.

Second, they’ll also replace the item for you at no-cost.

Pretty dang awesome, especially since ALDI stocks many food items that you’ll be curious to try.

It’s a great risk-free way to basically give stuff a shot and possibly discover new favorites.

See Also: The 8 Items to Buy at ALDI and Hacks To Maximize Your Savings

PRO TIP: SPECIAL BUY ITEMS

Be aware that special buy items tend to drop in price quickly, especially towards the end of the season.

For this reason be sure to KEEP YOUR RECEIPT otherwise you’ll probably be stuck with store credit for WAY less than what you paid for the item.

There Are Some Policy Exceptions

Their policy would be a little to good to be true if there weren’t a few return exceptions.

– Alcohol. This one depends on the state where you live. Some states allow you to return alcohol and some don’t.

If you want to return alcohol to ALDI you should call your local store and ask if it’s possible.

– Computers and Electronics. These have a 90-day return policy. You must have your receipt and be sure to include all manuals and accessories.

– Non-Food Items. You can still return non-food stuff but you won’t get a refund and a replacement, you’ll have to pick one or the other.

A Receipt Is Not Completely Necessary…

But if you want a refund to your original form of payment, you’ll definitely need your receipt.

Without a receipt you’ll have to settle for an ALDI merchandise credit gift card. You’ll get a credit for the current selling price of the item.

See Also: Costco Return Policy: 12 “Must Knows” Before You Shop

PRO TIP: CONTACT CORPORATE IF SHORT ON TIME

If you have a “quality related” issue on a product from ALDI, but don’t have time to return it right away, contact their corporate office.

I’ve been told by several ALDI regulars that corporate will give you a voucher for a refund and free replacement that you can take in when it’s convenient for you.

I’ve also heard that for fresh produce you don’t even need to bring the item back with you.

You Can Definitely Return Food Items

The ALDI return policy actually reminds me of the Trader Joe’s policy as they let you buy food, take it home, try it, and bring it back if you don’t like it for WHATEVER reason.

ALDI is totally fine with you “taste testing” food at home and trying it to your heart’s content. Even pair stuff with various wines if you like…

If you don’t like, just bring back whatever you have left of the product when you make the return.

HATE FOOD WASTE?

I had an Aldi manager tell me that any food item that is returned, whether it has been opened or not, has to be thrown away.

If you’re not a fan of food waste, and there is nothing wrong with the item, maybe you’ll want to give it to a friend or neighbor instead of returning it.

Broken Items Can Also Be Returned

They encourage you to return items that you personally broke and is NOT the fault of ALDI.

ALDI does not promote this on their website and you won’t find them talking about it publicly.

For this reason, be sure to NOT to abuse this lenient policy or it’s sure to go away.

PRO TIP: HOW TO MAKE YOUR RETURN GO QUICKLY

I had a 5-year ALDI cashier give me some great advice on the best way to make a return.

When making a return, and buying other products as well, just shop like you normally would. Then when you reach the checkout aisle put the item you want to return on the conveyor belt with the receipt on top. Then tell the cashier when it gets to them and they’ll be able to apply the “return money” to your current purchase.

If you’re not doing any other shopping, they said the easiest way is to hop in line and only place the item and receipt on the belt.

Do “National Brands” Fall Under the Same Policy?

Sort of.

While you can return national brands that are not “ALDI-branded”, they do NOT qualify for the “Twice as Nice” guarantee.

This means you’ll get your money back, but you won’t get a free replacement as well.

See Also: 24 Simple Ways to Save Cash at ALDI

You Better Believe ALDI Monitors Your Returns

While their website makes no mention of this, you can rest assured that they monitor all returns, especially those that don’t have a receipt.

They may even ask you for a valid I.D. if you make a return sans receipt.

They’ll use this information to track your returns moving forward and could ban if you abuse their policy.

Ask the Reader: Is the return policy at ALDI as great as it seems? Have you ever had trouble returning an item? Let me know in the comments section below.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)